UK scooter co eyes east, to open 30 dealerships

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UK-based electric scooter & cycle manufacturer Ultra Motor Company is all set to open 30 exclusive dealerships across eastern India by March 2009 as it plans to consolidate its network in the region.

The global electric vehicle company, after establishing itself in the northern, western and southern parts of India, now plans to aggressively expand in the eastern region, said Ganesh Mahalingam, managing director of Ultra Motor India Pvt Ltd.

The region contributes about 20% to the company's total turnover, which is targeted to be about Rs 85-90 crore this fiscal, he said.

The lead acid battery that is being used by Ultra Motor in the electric scooters needs to be changed after every two years or after every 20,000km the vehicle runs.

But in the context of lithium ion battery usage, Mahalingam said: "They are more expensive though more efficient than the lead acid ones, so we would use them in our vehicles in another two years for India."

The lead acid battery costs between Rs 6,000-8,000, whereas a lithium ion battery costs at least four times higher.

Enjoying a 22% market share in the one-lakh unit electric vehicle market in India, Ultra Motor plans to achieve 50% share in the next three years, and increase the number of dealerships from the existing 150 to 250 across the country by 2009.

Deba Ghoshal, marketing director said, "Consumers only need to invest Rs 6,000-8,000 per two years for the battery and nothing else."

Meanwhile, the company has introduced Marathon, a new electric scooter, with 25km per hour speed and an extra range of 100km per charge. It is priced at Rs 32,146, ex-showroom.